Lion population in Gujarat goes up from 674 to 891 in 5 years; footprint also expands

Lion Population In Gujarat:  Big increase has been registered in the number of Asiatic lions in Gujarat in the last five years. According to the latest lion census conducted in May 2024, now the number of lions in the state has increased to 891, which was 674 in 2020. That is, the number of lions has increased by 217. The CM Gujarat Bhupendra Patel shared this information on Wednesday.

CM said that now the lions are not limited to the forests of Gir but are spread across 11 districts of the entire Saurashtra region, which includes coastal and non-forest areas apart from forests.

Glimpse of the census data

Total lions: 891

Number of lions in 2020: 674

Increase: 217

Male lions: 196

Female lions: 330

Young lions: 140

Cubs: 225

Lions now live outside Gir

Chief Conservator Jaipal Singh, head of the Forest Department of Gujarat, said that 384 lions were found in Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, while 507 lions were counted in areas outside the park. This means that now the number of lions is increasing rapidly outside Gir.

Lions are now seen in these 11 districts of Saurashtra

Junagadh

Gir Somnath

Bhavnagar

Rajkot

Morbi

Surendranagar

Devbhoomi Dwarka

Jamnagar

Amreli

Porbandar

Botad

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How was the census conducted?

This was the 16th Asiatic lion census. It was conducted between May 10 and 13. Its area was 35,000 square kilometres, covering 58 talukas in 11 districts. Around 3,000 volunteers participated in it - including forest department officials, zonal in-charges, enumerators and inspectors.

What does the increase in population mean?

It is good news that the number of Asiatic lions is increasing, as they are found only in the Gir region of Gujarat in the world. The spread of lions to new areas shows the need for safe places for them. The forest department will now have to take measures to protect the lions and prevent human-wildlife conflict in those new areas as well.

The increasing number of lions also proves that with the cooperation of the forest department, local administration and local people, a great success has been achieved in protecting the lions.

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But at the same time, the challenge now is to arrange new safe places, food sources, and natural habitat for them in view of the increasing population so that there is no conflict between lions and humans.

Summary

The increase in the population of Asiatic lions in Gujarat is a matter of pride not only for the state but for the entire country. Let us tell you that in just five years, the number of lions has increased by more than 200. Along with this, their living area has also increased.